Security responded to a potential threat backstage
Summary
– A potential security threat triggered a brief lockdown after AEW Collision
– Talent were reportedly told to remain backstage while officials investigated
– Security determined there was no danger and quickly lifted the lockdown
The August 8 edition of AEW Collision reportedly ended with a brief backstage lockdown after security received a report of a potential threat. Fans watching from home and those inside the building were apparently unaware of the situation.
Conrad Thompson discussed the incident on What Happened When and claimed that someone had called in a threat following the show. Early concerns reportedly suggested that an armed person could be inside or near the venue.
According to Thompson, AEW talent were temporarily prevented from leaving backstage while security investigated. The restrictions reportedly raised concerns that some wrestlers could miss transportation or scheduled red-eye flights.
The situation ultimately centered around a man wearing a hoodie and carrying a duffel bag. Security found no legitimate danger, and Thompson described the incident as a false alarm.
Tony Schiavone, who attended Collision, provided additional details about how the situation unfolded. He said security approached him, Nigel McGuinness, and another colleague immediately after the show.
They were instructed not to use their usual route through the crowd and to head directly toward the exit instead. Schiavone followed the instructions but said the lockdown ended almost immediately.
“As soon as I got through the curtains, the security guy looked at his phone and said, ‘Lockdown’s over,’” Schiavone recalled. He added that the incident caused him almost no delay.
Schiavone could not confirm whether anyone missed a flight because of the lockdown. Based on his experience, the situation ended before he fully understood what had happened.
The AEW announcer praised security for responding cautiously while officials determined whether the threat was credible. Local authorities were reportedly contacted, and the venue received an all-clear after investigators found nothing dangerous.
Schiavone later learned that concern about a duffel bag had prompted the response. Someone reportedly feared that the bag could contain something dangerous, but security determined there was no threat.
No injuries were reported, and the lockdown ended without further incident. AEW has not publicly released an official statement about the security response.
